Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The Apostle Paul begins this chapter with the question, “Do we begin again to commend ourselves?” The again does not imply that he had commended himself previously. Rather, it simply means that he had been accused of doing so, and now he anticipates the repetition of such a charge against him. [William MacDonald]
The testimony of the gospel team led by the Apostle Paul went about their mission work with sincerity of heart, preaching the gospel in the fear of God. They were mindful of the spiritual mandate placed upon them and were careful to speak the truth according to the Word of God. Venturing not to speak beyond what the Word of God says, they stood behind the Word of God.
Believers with the gospel mandate are given the task to usher souls to heaven or to consign them to the condemnation of hell. What a grave responsibility! Who is sufficient for these things? Who is adequate for such an undertaking? Not by our own strength but by the grace of God.
Hymns: RHC 30 When This Passing World Is Done, 538 In the New Jerusalem, 43 God Is Still on the Throne
Psalm 122
1 A Song of degrees of David. I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD. 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together: 4 Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. 5 For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good. Psalm 122:1-9 (KJV)
THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM
OUTLINE
Our Rejoicing (v1-2)
Our Praise (v3-5)
Our Prayer (v6-9)
When the gospel is preached, there can be two responses. One may repent and receive Christ and be saved, one may reject Christ and perished in eternal damnation. The two thieves that were hung beside our Lord when He was on the cross provided for us this contrast.
2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
The blessing of the gospel to the believer is an eternal one. From the day of conversion, eternal life with God comes to us through Jesus Christ.
Thank God for the life that Christ impart in the hearts of God’s people. This effervescing life causes to live triumphantly for God’s honour and glory. Indeed, the knowledge that comes from God imparts life. It imparts great value to the lives it influences.
When the Apostle Paul was in the city of Troas, God opened the door for the gospel work. He, however, did not stay in Troas to advance the gospel there because Titus who was supposed to meet him there did not turn up! Titus was on the errand for the Apostle Paul.
Family Day 2017
Thank God for gathering 43 members and friends for Family Day 2017 at the Rasa Sentosa Resort on 22 December.
The theme of our retreat was “Strengthening Our Devotional Life”. There were two messages – The Believer’s Quiet Time (Psalm 63:1-8) and Tools for the Trade (Joshua 1:8).
This is an excerpt of “The Believer’s Quiet Time”:
“The believer’s quiet time is private devotion time, set aside for the purpose of cultivating a rich spiritual life. It is an appointment with God. The believer’s quiet time seeks to move him from a state of stress to a state of rest. The cultivation of a calm spirit in the peace and joy of God is the frame of a man in touch with God. The believer’s quiet time is the high point of private worship. The elements of private devotion are prayer, the reading and meditation of God’s Word. What is God’s message for me this day? The quiet time must not deteriorate to a regiment. It must not take away the excitement and delight of the soul in the pursuit of God. Yet there is a need to have self-discipline to cultivate a habit of life-long devotion to God.
Satan, the adversary of the brethren, may find ground to accuse the believers in Corinth. He attacks Christ’s church. The believers are counselled by the Apostle Paul to know how the devil attacks. There is a need for unity.